On this page:
- Best Mac Foundation Reviews
- Mac Makeup For Dry Skin
- Best Mac Powder Foundation For Dry Skin
- Best Mac Foundation For Dry Flaky Skin
- Different Skin Types
- How to Determine Your Skin Type
- How to Choose a Foundation for Sensitive Skin
Powder foundations are also perfect for everyday wear, especially if you struggle with oily skin. To avoid heavy liquid formulas pooling up in the oily areas of your face, simply buff on some powder foundation with a dense Kabuki brush or damp beautyblender. Powder foundation are all made for dry/normal skin types. Face and body is a sheer waterbased foundation used alot among makeup artists because its really natural looking and buildable.
Best Mac Foundation Reviews
since they are in closest contact — if you have sensitive skin. Combine this with organic and you just may get success. Ecco Bella FlowerColor (reviews on Amazon) is one such choice.Knowing how and why your skin is the way it is and how it will behave under different circumstances is the first step to achieving clear, healthy skin. After you have that knowledge you will be able to more easily pick the products that will best serve your individual skin issues and leave you feeling confident.
There are five main types of skin that most cosmetic companies manufacture for, namely: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Those with sensitive skin need to know triggers that can cause flare-ups such as acne and how to avoid them when choosing cosmetics. To really find out about makeup and skin types you need to go to makeup or cosmetology school
Different Skin Types
Normal
Normal skin is neither dry nor oily. It is the most desirable of skin types due to its easy maintenance and carefree characteristics. Normal skin types have little to no breakout or moisturizing issues. What it comes down to is that you do not have to be picky about which products you use. Nearly all products should be okay on your skin, but still it is good to keep an eye out for any unwanted or allergic signs.| Foundation Makeup for Normal but Sensitive Skin | ||
| Benefit Cosmetics hello flawless oxygen - Available in 9 shades, ‘Hello Flawless!’ is an oil-free liquid foundation that builds coverage as you apply it which is handy for days when you really have something to cover! It has SPF 25 sun protection, and it has light-diffusing properties to help camouflage flaws. | CoverGirl Clean Sensitive Skin Liquid Makeup - This foundation is sheer, but it offers buildable coverage that’s easy to achieve. It absorbs oil and evens out skin tone. It has a weightless formula, so you’ll forget that it’s on(sounds good for a hot day?). Comes in different colors to satisfy different skin types and it is one of the more affordable foundations. | Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation - Normal skin can tolerate powder foundations easily, and this is a great one to try. Available in 20 shades, you can use this foundation either wet or dry. It's got a nice compact case for easy traveling. The foundation is lightweight and builds to solid coverage like the others. |
| 1 fl. oz. | 1 oz. | 0.3 oz. |
Dry
Dry skin is characterized by a tight, flaky face. Moisture is not produced in abundance, which makes your face less elastic and duller. As a result, moisturizing should be your priority. Excessive washing and products that dry out the skin will only make matters worse.| Foundation Makeup for Dry but Sensitive Skin | ||
| MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation - With 26 shades, it's impossible not to find the right one for your skin tone. Oil-free, but very moisturizing. The formula contains HD pigments that help to even out skin imperfections for perfect smoothness and for looking great in harsh lighting. Great if you can afford it as part of your makeup arsenal. | MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15 - This creamy foundation delivers on moisture with its gel formula. It offers buildable coverage without looking cakey or artificial. Some do report a heavy feeling but at least you know you're covered. It has an SPF of 15, and it's available in 19 shades to match any skin color. Again, a little pricey but mid-range compared to MU4Ever. | Almay Clear Complexion Makeup - This affordable foundation works wonderfully with dry skin — and other skin types too. It really stays on your skin well — even in humidity — which means it is preventing dry-out. In fact, it's only drawback is that it stays on so well that you may have to work extra hard to remove it at the end of the day! |
| 1.1 fl. oz. | 1.3 oz. | 1 oz. |
Oily
Oily skin is more common and people with this skin type are very likely to have frequent bouts of acne and blackheads. Hydration and moisture is produced in abundance which makes the face shiny. Oily skin requires more washing and products that help put an end to the shine.| Foundation Makeup for Dry but Sensitive Skin | ||
| MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation - With 26 shades, it's impossible not to find the right one for your skin tone. Oil-free, but very moisturizing. The formula contains HD pigments that help to even out skin imperfections for perfect smoothness and for looking great in harsh lighting. Great if you can afford it as part of your makeup arsenal. | MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15 - This creamy foundation delivers on moisture with its gel formula. It offers buildable coverage without looking cakey or artificial. Some do report a heavy feeling but at least you know you're covered. It has an SPF of 15, and it's available in 19 shades to match any skin color. Again, a little pricey but mid-range compared to MU4Ever. | Almay Clear Complexion Makeup - This affordable foundation works wonderfully with dry skin — and other skin types too. It really stays on your skin well — even in humidity — which means it is preventing dry-out. In fact, it's only drawback is that it stays on so well that you may have to work extra hard to remove it at the end of the day! |
| 1.1 fl. oz. | 1.3 oz. | 1 oz. |
Combination
Combination skin is the most common type from the five main categories. This type of skin will show characteristics of all skin types. It is one of the most difficult to treat too, since it requires specialized products, or more than one solution.
To a certain degree, we all experience combination skin. This means that there are more oil-producing glands in certain areas of our face such as around the nose. However, combination skin shows these contrasts to a much greater degree. Fortunately, there are a variety of foundations for combination skin on the market.Mac Makeup For Dry Skin
| Foundation Makeup for Combination but Sensitive Skin | ||
| Clinique Superbalanced Makeup - As you know combination skin needs a mind reader & this foundation is smart enough to add moisture or absorb oil as needed. It's long-wearing and provides decent coverage. 17 shades and Clinique quality… | Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation SPF 15 - A nice, light makeup that also conceals very well and covers acne without inflaming. Oil, talc, and fragrance-free and claimed hypoallergenic, but not free of chemicals: read the ingredients first to get an idea! | Almay Clear Complexion Makeup - Wonderful with combo skin. It stays on your skin well — even in humidity. It's only drawback is that it stays on so well that you may have to wash twice or three times to remove it at the end of the day! Bonus is that it is the most affordable of the three. |
| 1 fl. oz. | 1 oz. | 1 oz. |
Sensitive
Welcome to the easily-aggravated club where people with sensitive skin reside. Harsh products and weather play a critical role for this group. Sensitive skin will quickly get rashes or patches, acne abounds and spots are common. Stinging, swelling, flakiness, itching and redness are all part of having sensitive skin. However, taking care of this type of skin does not have to be difficult.
The trick lies in knowing what triggers negative reactions on your face. Testing products one by one will allow you to see if they are beneficial for your face or not. However, each product should be given at least a one-week trial before the final verdict. The process might be long, but it will help you determine which makeup items work for you. A trained esthetician can be helpful in the process, too.
This specific skin type is very individual – what works for someone you know may not necessarily work for you. Every person must figure out their own dos and don’ts in order to effectively balance and hydrate their sensitive skin.
How to Determine Your Skin Type
Blotting Method
This method is quick and simple – all you need is to buy a pack of blotting sheets, which have numerous uses apart from assisting you in differentiating between skin types. The sheets actually help you absorb oil and dirt without disturbing makeup. The best part is that it works with any skin type.
Blot different areas of your face with the sheet and then hold it up to a light source. If you notice heavy amounts of oil, you have oily skin. If the oil is moderate but not excessive, you might be dealing with a combination type skin. On the other hand, if the sheet is still almost dry, you have dry skin. For better results, start off with a clean face and do the test ten minutes afterwards.
Nude Face Method
This requires washing your face with a mild and gentle cleanser. Pat dry and wait thirty minutes to evaluate facial characteristics. You are looking for signs of oil, which makes your face appear shiny in parts. However, it is quite normal for the t-zone to be shinier than the rest of the face, since we have more oil-producing glands in this area.
Do not wash your face again and wait another thirty minutes. Check in the mirror to see if you notice shine or oil on cheeks, nose and forehead. If you do, you have oily skin. If there is no shine and your face feels tight, you have dry skin. If there is shine but it is not excessive, you have combination type skin. If there is only a minimal amount of shine or none at all and you exhibit no feelings of tightness, you have normal skin.
How to Choose a Foundation for Sensitive Skin
Choosing the right foundation for your sensitive skin is the only way of avoiding outbreaks. Foundations are the base for all other makeup and also sit on your face all day and possibly all night.
Additionally, it is very important to check the ingredients and overall complexion achieved. Harsh ingredients on sensitive skin will eventually lead to irritation and blemishes. There are many foundations to choose from as well, like liquid, powder, cream, stick, etc. It is best to have two types of foundations that you may switch between, depending on the season.
Types of Foundation
Each type of foundation has its pros and its cons. Liquid foundations come oil-based for dry skin and water-based for other skin types. It’s best used to cover up more blemishes or spots.
It is better to use liquid foundations during winter to avoid excessive accumulation of oil, or to relieve that feeling of heaviness in summer. That said, a light, mineral foundation is the safest option for sensitive skin. It offers a light to medium coverage and can be matte or satin finished.
Mineral foundations are not harsh and have fewer ingredients than regular makeup products. And of course you also need a colour that seamlessly blends into your natural tone without noticeable issues.
Checking the Label
You need to be on the lookout for products with the terms hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic makeup partly refers to a makeup product that has fewer ingredients than normal. Less ingredients helps reduce the possibility of allergic reactions or breakouts for sensitive skin as the fewer components there are the fewer chances you have for a reaction.
The latter — non-comedogenic — means the foundation will not clog your pores. When a pore is clogged, it could only lead to infection and eventual scarring. However, be aware that a product displaying the terms “non-comedogenic” and “hypoallergenic” in no way guarantees a safe product for your skin. As mentioned earlier, each case of sensitive skin is unique. Finding what works for you is key to makeup selection.
In general, opting for a hypoallergenic foundation as well as a non-comedogenic one will usually do the trick. If you notice any reactions, stop using the product immediately and give your skin time to heal before trying a different product. At the end of this makeup hunt you and your face will be so happy to at last have found the foundation for your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Ingredients on a label are ordered by quantity. Meaning, the more of an ingredient a product has, the higher up the list it will be mentioned. So technically speaking, the first ingredient is the one with the most quantity. Though it will be hard to find a foundation with absolutely none of the ingredients we suggest to avoid, if they are shown towards the end of the list, they might be okay. Organic products are usually the only makeup foundations that can be truly without harmful ingredients — though you can still be allergic to a product whether it is organic or not. However, the likelihood of problems decreases. Here are a few well-regarded organic options:
- Ecco Bella Flower Color – Ecco Bella used to have parabens in their formula, but not any more – Check price and reviews on Amazon.
- Afterglow’s Organic Infused Foundation – many find that this bisque doesn’t course ny problems + some say it reduces their skin irritations.
- Lavera Natural Liquid Foundation – plenty of organic components – pretty much edible -lol!
- INIKA Liquid Mineral Foundation – this liquid has a beautiful smell and is smooooth.
- Zuii Certified Organic Liquid Foundation – certified organic – the purest and most natural in this list.
The following ingredients may be too harsh or are more prone to causing allergic reactions on sensitive skins: petroleum derivatives, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, fragrances, any oil except jojoba and non-fatty alcohols.
In the end, the right foundation for sensitive skin is the one that works for you. Finding it may be frustrating and time consuming, but it is the only way you will find your own personalbest foundation for sensitive skin.
There is no denying it MAC is the place for foundation. However it is not just about choosing the right shade of foundation but the right texture of foundation for our skin type, that affects its overall staying power and the finish you are looking for.
For years I was wedded to my MAC studio fix foundation but found only a few hours later the foundation simply melted off my skin, no matter how much primer I used beforehand. When I spoke to a MAC consultant I was given a straightforward explanation that my skin is normal/dry and after much testing out of different foundations, it was the MAC match master foundation ended up being the best one for me. * So after much research and thought I have decided to do a breakdown of MAC foundations for different skin types as a guide if you are looking to try something new.
*Please be aware the shades can vary between each product i.e an NC42 in Mineralize Skinfinish may be different to the NC42 in the Studio Fix. So, therefore, it is advisable to try out different shades to ensure a proper match. Also do step out into the natural daylight with a mirror before purchasing to ensure the Mac foundation has blended well against your neck, forehead and chin to ensure you don’t look ashy, or too orange! A foundation is not the right shade for you if you look ashy, orange or slightly grey. You will also want to take a look at our new article: MAC Lipsticks – The Breakdown
and the best beauty advent calendars as these make ideal gifts for friends and family.Combination Oily- Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 £21.50
MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is perfect for combination and oilier skin types. The foundation is oil-free which means it will not clog pores. On drier skin types (such as mine) the foundation may feel too heavy and may not have the desired staying power.
Dry combination- Pro Longwear Fluid Foundation SPF10 £25.00
Pro Long wear foundation is good for dry combination skin that is particularly sensitive to climate change. The Pro Longwear foundation is less heavy than the studio fix and provides up to 15 hours of wear. The foundation provides a more sheer/medium coverage which is great if you want a more dewy look than a matte finish.
Very oily- Pro Longwear Compact Foundation
Mac has recently come out with a Pro Longwear compact foundation. The texture is more creamy (similar to the Studio Tech) however this product is more suitable for oily skin as it can look too cakey on drier skins.
Acne Prone/ Scarred skin- Full Coverage Foundation
Best Mac Powder Foundation For Dry Skin
If your skin has suffered from acne, scarring or from severe hyperpigmentation the full coverage formula may be the best one for you. The texture is very thick, however, you can apply it with a brush or with a sponge in order to concentrate on blemished areas and to build up the coverage to suit your liking. The foundation also doubles up as a concealer too which is an added bonus.
Dry skin- MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15 £25.00
The gel-based formula blends perfectly on drier skin types and creates a beautiful satin finish. The sculpt is also good for mature skin too. This product is one of Mac’s best sellers.
Very dry dehydrated/ sensitive skin- MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation, Compact or Loose Powder SPF15 RRP £28.00
Mac’s Mineralize range is a gentle formula blended with 77 minerals, plus vitamin E and shea butter which creates a dewy effect on dry and sensitive skin and also helps to even out skin tone. The foundation is lightweight yet buildable which is great for those who want a lighter coverage. The mineralize range comes in either a fluid, compact or loose powder depending on your preference.
Normal Skin- Face and Body Foundation
If you are one of the few lucky people (like my sister) who have normal skin without a blemish in sight then the Face and Body foundation may be the best one for you. The face and body foundation provides a low to medium coverage, which you can build depending on the occasion. One of the good things about this product is that it comes in a 120ml size (one of the biggest sizes of foundation on the market) so you can get a lot for your money.
Normal/Dry- Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 £28.00
I have been using this foundation for three months and I love it. The matchmaster range uses a shade intelligence technology to match areas of uneven skin-tone i.e. forehead and chin without looking ashy. The fluid blends well into my normal/dry skin to keep it looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. Another bonus is that the foundation comes in a generous 35ml, which is 5ml more than the Studio Fix or Pro Longwear.
Best Mac Foundation For Dry Flaky Skin
All skin types – MAC Studio Fix powder plus foundation £21.50
This product is another one of my faves. The compact delivers a full coverage which glides on with a velvety matte finish without looking cakey. The powder is triple-milled so it allows the skin to breathe. Another good thing is that the compact comes with a sponge and mirror so you can fit nicely in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.
We’ve done the hard work for you and listed all your MAC Makeup products which you can Buy at John Lewis or Shop other beauty products here.